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Maker’s Monday: Ask

Welcome to our new weekly Maker’s Monday! This will be a weekly blog with thoughts and tips for creators about running art businesses. While there are still a lot of things I need to learn and become more proficient at in my own business, there are also a lot of things that I have become really good at.
My first tip is probably for most of us the most difficult…..

ASK.

This seems simple but it is going to become a core principle to starting and continuing to grow your business.
When you want something (whether it is information, assistance, etc.), you need to ask for it.

If you are confused and don’t know where to start; Ask.

If you want to know how to increase you sales; Ask.

If you want to know what products your customers want to buy; Ask.

Asking is paramount. It can come in many different forms.

Resources you can ask questions to are Google and Youtube. Look at the content that has already been posted. There may be a video or blog that answers your question.

If there is a blog you like and they give advice but you aren’t sure how to apply it to you; Ask.

If you want to get into a festival but don’t know how to apply or if your product is a good fit; Ask.

If you see someone whose business you admire and want to know how they do it; Ask.

I had to take my own advice this past week. I asked for help.

I had a moment of despair where I wasn’t sure where my company was going. I didn’t know what my purpose was. I felt like I was failing as an entrepreneur.

These are not uncommon thoughts. If you have them, you are not alone.

So, to pull myself out of my rut, I messaged a company I greatly admire named SteamCrow. We have done a couple events with them and I have bought numerous items from their shop. They have amazing products, killer display, and great fans. They seem to have it all going.

First, I had to take some time to quiet that inner voice that cried out at the idea. What if I am a nuisance to them by asking for help? What if they don’t like me? What if I offend them by asking personal questions about their business?

Putting yourself out there with the possibility of rejection will most likely never feel good. Do it anyways. I did it. Not only did I survive, but all those fearful thoughts were completely unfounded.

SteamCrow are two of the sweetest people I have ever spoken to. The two owners and makers are Daniel and Dawna. They took the time to answer my questions and ease my mind about a few things. It turned out what I needed most was to feel like I wasn’t alone. Daniel was even kind enough to pop by our booth at our next festival to chat some more in person.

I think I have created for myself not only a good contact for sound business advice from someone who has been there and done it, but also a relationship that can grow into being friends.

It was all because I asked.

So, start asking.

Next week we will start the process of discussing how to get into festivals. We will talk about the different kinds of festivals, how to find them, and which ones you should be applying to. This is a topic I am very excited to speak about for the next few weeks because it is where I have the most expertise and advice to give.

If any has any questions for me, or would like to put up a topic for a future Maker’s Monday …. ASK!

P.S. If you haven’t heard of SteamCrow you should stop what you are doing and go check them out. Right. Now. They are awesome and I love them, professionally and personally 🙂